It’s a deal: Therapy farm, open land to be preserved

Windrush had until Oct. 31 to raise the money as part of a deal with the town of North Andover. In May, North Andover voters approved $2.5 million from the town’s Community Preservation Act funds to buy 160 acres of the farm.

Together, the purchases will preserve all 195 acres of the property. The total purchase price is $3.5 million.

The Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit conservation organization, facilitated purchase of the property on Lacy Street by North Andover and Windrush.

Terms must be finalized by Dec. 31. Details being negotiated include conservation restrictions and shared use of the property.

Since 1964, Windrush has provided horse-assisted therapy for children and adults with physical, mental, and emotional challenges, recently including war veterans. It serves more than 300 people a year.

Its founder, Marjorie Kittredge, who lives on the property, is 85, and there had been concern that in coming years the property would be divided and developed. Kittredge has the right to live on the property the rest of her life.

North Andover’s land will be used for conservation purposes. Windrush’s land, which includes buildings, paddocks, and pastures, will be used for its programs.

In addition, the Boxford Trail Association/Boxford Open Land Trust Inc. will hold a conservation restriction on 9 acres of Windrush’s land in Boxford. And North Andover will hold a conservation restriction on the remaining 26 acres of Windrush land. Essex County Greenbelt Association will hold and co-hold the conservation restrictions on the entire property to eliminate the possibility of any future development.

The land - a mix of fields, forests, and wetlands - is adjacent to 1,600 acres of conservation land, including the Boxford State Forest.

Proponents of the purchase have said it will safeguard an important wildlife habitat; protect a regional drinking water source; preserve an extensive network of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, and ensure permanent public access.

Amanda Hogan, executive director of Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation, said the purchase will also allow the center to expand the number and variety of programs for the public, as well continue its therapeutic work.

She said new programs could include community gardens, environmental study programs for North Andover students, and summer camps.

North Andover joined the Community Preservation Act program in 2001. Funding comes from a three percent property tax surcharge. John Simons, chairman of both the North Andover Community Preservation Committee and the Planning Board, said money has accumulated in the fund over the years.

He said approval of the $2.5 million would not increase anyone’s taxes in North Andover. And, he said, the money cannot be used for the town’s operating budget.

The Trust for Public Land said a grant from the Open Space Institute and a grant request from the state’s Local Acquisition for Natural Diversity program could together reduce the town’s commitment from $2.5 million to $1.7 million

A separate request to the state’s Conservation Partnership grant program could reduce Windrush’s purchase price by $85,000.

The $1 million raised through Windrush’s capital campaign came from 468 individual donors. “With the generous donations of so many from here in town, around the state, and across America, we now have the funding to conserve the land and sustain our services for people with significant disabilities,’’ said Paul Spiers, president of Windrush’s board of directors.

“We have been overwhelmed by the amount of support from all over the nation. It’s been unbelievable,’’ said Hogan. “It’s really exciting. It’s a dream come true for us to be able to secure our programs and preserve all this beautiful land for the community to use for years to come.’’